Community bands together for diocesan teacher with brain cancer

Nineteen Year 4 students of Rosary Park Catholic School, Branxton, proudly shaved their heads on Friday afternoon in support of their teacher, Ben Lott, who has recently been diagnosed with a rare form of Stage 4 brain cancer.

Mr Lott is currently undergoing three months of intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy, however, he is hoping to travel to the USA to take part in a clinical trial. This trial is his only chance of survival.

When the students in Mr Lott’s Year 4 class heard about their teacher’s condition, they immediately wanted to help and began raising funds for the Rosary Park shave event.

“The students have raised $12,500 to put towards Mr Lott’s overseas treatment and Mark Hughes also sent the boys a beanie and a personal letter each for their efforts,” says Rosary Park Religious Education Coordinator, Amie Ward.

“Ben is a respected member of the Hunter Valley community and is adored by his students – we are all rallying behind him.”

The shave event is just one of many fundraising campaigns that the school is involved in for Ben. On 13 September, Rosary Park will hold a school and community event, “Bucks for Ben”, with a barbecue and a number of stalls set up by the students and the wider community, and on the first weekend of November, a “Bucks for Ben Weekend” will follow. The weekend will be hosted by Rosary Park and Branxton Golf Club, which will involve a twilight golf night on the Friday, a darts competition and giant auction on Saturday and a golf day on the Sunday.

If you would like to help Ben get to the USA, a “Bucks for Ben” donation account has been set up for those wishing to contribute: NAB, Benjamin Lott, BSB: 082625, Account No: 673107830.

Alternatively, you may like to send donations for the auction to the office at Rosary Park Catholic School, marked ‘Bucks for Ben’ at 36 Station Street, Branxton, 2335 or P 4938 1541.

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